Mental Health Assistant 1 (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.  Working through our network of inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, we serve clients with severe addiction and/or psychiatric problems.

Currently, our Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS), is recruiting for a Mental Health Assistant 1 (PCN 78284) to work in its Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, 7th Floor (PICU 2), Inpatient, located at 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT.  This is a full-time, 72/72/80 rotating schedule - 2nd shift (4:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.) position that includes working every other weekend and holidays.  Working in our 21 bed unit, you will assist in providing treatment in a safe, supportive and highly structured hospital level of care, with emphasis on community re-entry.

As an MHA 1, you will:

• Work directly with clients to support and assist them with daily living activities; 
• Provide transportation to and from appointments as needed; 
• Adhere to a specified treatment plan;
• Observe, document and communicate client behaviors .

If you are interested in making a positive difference in someone’s life, please submit your application and included your resume in the 'Resume Tab' if you wish to be considered.  Please ensure your application is complete.  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps System.

*New hires to state service shall be paid an hourly rate of $23.03.  Upon successful completion of the working test period, effective the payroll period following, the Employee shall be compensated at an hourly rate of $24.14.

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off. 

Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Andrew Pebley, MHA-DMHAS-Recruitment@ct.gov or (860) 262-6946.   

In a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, behavioral health facility or program this class is accountable for assisting in the assessment, planning and implementation of paraprofessional nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions designed to support clients short and/or long term needs.

Participates in assigned nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions to meet client short and long term needs; advocates for services or resources that meet client needs and preferences; assists client in developing effective strategies for managing internal and external stress; routinely solicits personal goals and preferences; identifies and facilitates use of appropriate support networks; participates in education and training activities to further skill development; participates in admission and discharge planning activities; protects civil rights of client; maintains a safe and healthy environment; may manage client behaviors through verbal communication as needed; performs related duties as required.

COMMUNITY OR OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS: Functions as a member of a case management team or program; participates in assessment, crisis intervention and monitoring of clients in community at large (i.e. emergency rooms, jails, homeless shelters, outpatient programs, etc.); assists client in learning and practicing daily living skills, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills; provides individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision.

INPATIENT WARD OR UNIT: Communicates and interacts with clients; participates in development of nursing care and treatment plans; encourages client to participate in therapeutic activities; observes and records client behavior and prepares pertinent reports; participates in on-going education and training programs; may participate in follow up of client in community based services; may supervise self-administration of oral medication.

Knowledge of acceptable standards of nursing care; knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles and procedures; knowledge of community support systems and resources; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable communication skills; considerable counseling skills; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

One (1) year's experience at the level of Mental Health Trainee.

1. An Associate's degree in mental health technology may be substituted for the General Experience.
2. Two (2) years of college training in a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience.
3. One (1) year of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist providing peer support to agency clients may be substituted for the General Experience.
4. Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for six (6) months of the General Experience.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
2. Incumbents in this class will be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
3. Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients and may have significant exposure to communicable and/or infectious diseases, strongly disagreeable conditions and risk of injury.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.